Nearby Towns

Clinton
Clinton, situated on the beautiful Clinch River was originally named Burrville, after the notorious Aaron Burr. Following the infamous duel between Burr and Hamilton, the city changed its name to honor one of Burr's political rivals. Today, Clinton encompasses some of East Tennessee's best attractions and is well worth a visit.

Meet more than 70 local artists at the Appalachian Arts and Crafts Center, or tour the Museum of Appalachia where visitors may take a trip into pioneer and frontier life within a 65 acre working rural farm. Visit the River Ridge Farm, located on the banks of the Clinch River, where you can take a horse drawn wagon ride or experience the bright colors of spring during a wildflower tour, or simply walk the charming streets of historic downtown Clinton .

Lake City
Originally known as Coal Creek, Lake City is now named for the lake formed by the completion of the Norris Dam. The town wears a long history, being the location of a major lockout of coal miners in 1891, and today proves to be a delightful destination in which to find fun as well as history.

Visit the Norris Dam State Park, where 4,038 acres wait with fun for the whole family, visit the Rice 18th Century Gristmill which still grinds cornmeal in the summer or tour the Coal Miner's Museum where you can learn about the 1800s Coal Creek War and the third worst coal mining disaster in United States history.

Oak Ridge
Oak Ridge, East Tennessee's famed Secret City, still holds great mystery and history. Built under a cloak of secrecy during WWII, Oak Ridge was established as part of the Manhattan Project. Here, scientists and military personnel worked under the direction of the atomic weapons program.

A city once hidden from the world has since established itself as one of the leading cities in East Tennessee. Visit Oak Ridge and treat yourself to an adventure in science, history and nature.

Tour the American Museum of Science and Energy, where you can explore the history of Oak Ridge and learn about the technologies they are working on currently. Bring the kids out to enjoy the Children's Museum of Oak Ridge where children can play in a child-size dollhouse, experience the sights and sounds of the rainforest or learn about the unique heritage of the region. Walk through historic Jackson Square, join the Secret City Commemorative Walk or board the Secret City Scenic Excursion Train. When in Oak Ridge, you will find no shortage of things to entertain. 

Sevierville
Arriving in 200 A.D., Sevierville's first group of Native American inhabitants built villages around an area known as Forks of the River, where the east and west prongs of the Little Pigeon River joined together. By the early 1700s, the Cherokee had control of the Tennessee side of the Smoky Mountains, including the Sevierville area, and used this land as hunting grounds. In 1794, Sevier County and its county seat, Sevierville, were established. Both were named for John Sevier, the early Tennessee settler who led colonists to a victory over the British in the Battle of Kings Mountain.

Today, Sevierville has changed quite a bit from its simple beginnings, and the enthusiastic visitor can find endless opportunities to entertain his or her senses. For the shopping enthusiast, the more than 200 outlet shops at Tanger Outlet Mall is sure to deliver the perfect bargain for every interest. Arts and crafts aficionados will delight in the galleries of some of the state's most accomplished artists such as Robert Tino and G. Webb, and the truly adventurous will revel in a journey down below at Forbidden Caverns.

Gatlinburg
Once known as "White Oak Flats" due to the abundant white oak trees, Gatlinburg was once a popular stop along Native American hunting trails, and later for trappers and hunters who established forts and settlements. The city's modern name comes from the post office established in Radford Gatlin's general store. The city grew as a result of the boom in the logging industry at the turn of the century, which brought jobs and growth, as well as a settlement school that addressed education needs and helped teach unique regional crafts and traditions. Today this former 600-resident village is a busy resort town, attracting families from all over for its crafts, entertainment, attractions, and of course, its beautiful scenery.

Enjoy downhill snow skiing, rafting Class IV whitewater, golf, 600 miles of hiking trails, and fishing in hundreds of miles of streams. Explore other great Gatlinburg attractions at one of its unique museums, craftsmen fair, miniature golf courses, motion simulators and Go-Karts or bumper cars. No matter where you find yourself in Gatlinburg, you are guaranteed to find something to entertain and delight.

Pigeon Forge
Before Dollywood, outlet shopping and mountain resorts drew tourists to Pigeon Forge, the area's visitors were hunters, trappers, and traders from Europe and the Carolinas traveling on trails cut by Native Americans. In the 1700s, forts began to grow into settlements and communities that would serve as safe stopovers for travelers. As the community grew into the 1800s, traveling preachers made it a frequent stop, and by the end of the century visitors from urban areas would come to visit health resorts here in search of the curative mountain spring water.

Today, the town is an energetic resort town, booming with opportunities for family fun. Enjoy skilled horsemanship, talented canines, mind-boggling magic or side cramping comedy to name but a few. If shopping is on the top of your to-do list, you will find no shortage of great bargains here in Pigeon Forge, and for those looking for that unique find, there are plenty of locally owned shops in which to find that distinctive treasure. Outdoor enthusiasts will adore the miles upon miles of protected lands found in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, while those who prefer to spend their time indoors will find a plethora of indoor activities to entertain their senses.